After dropping their season opener to Manhattan over the weekend, the La Salle Explorers were back in action this morning against the Quinnipiac Bobcats as part of ESPNs Tip-Off Marathon. The Explorers would lead for much of the game before a Bobcats charge made things interesting down the stretch. In the end La Salle held on for a 73-67 victory, preventing the Explorers from starting the season 0-2.

After Quinnipiac scored the first basket of the game to take a 2-0 lead, La Salle took control, at one point extending their first half lead to 9. The Bobcats wouldn't go away however, and the teams went to the locker rooms at Gola Arena with just 4 points separating them.

The Bobcats continued to keep the game close and midway through the second half took a 47-46 lead, their first since the opening minutes of the game. The game would remain too close for comfort for the Explorers fans packing the arena for the rest of the way, as the Bobcats closed to within two points with just over 30 seconds remaining. The Explorers would close out strong with Tyrone Garland accounting for their final four points and escape with a 73-67 win in the end.

The Explorers' efforts were led by strong performances from starters Tyreek Duren and Steve Zack, who scored 17 and 15 points respectively. Duren added 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 steals as well, while Zack grabbed 6 boards in the game.

Providing a spark off the bench, Tyrone Garland added 12 points for the Explorers, including their final four points of the game to put Quinnipiac away.

Jerrell Wright put up a double-double in the game for Explorers, although he shot just 4 of 17 from the field. Despite his shooting struggles on the morning, Wright was key to the La Salle victory, finishing with 11 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocked shots.

The Explorers, 1-1, will next welcome the Siena Saints to Gola Arena on Saturday, November 16.By: Kyle BabcockFollow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat